Guaruja – Bertioga – 37 km
A scenic road led to the ferry port and ran beside white sandy beaches and idyllic
palm trees. Unfortunately, the path reached the ferry to the mainland far too soon.
Once off the boat, the weather took a turn for the worse and came with thunder
and lightning. Our route into Bertioga led past the Forte Sao Joao de Bertioga,
constructed in 1532 by Portuguese settlers, making it Brazil’s oldest fortress.
Construction started in 1532, but the fort was only completed in 1702. Today, it’s a
prominent landmark in town. Still, we didn’t explore as the weather was terrible
and we thought it best to find shelter. Luckily a budget room appeared just as it
started bucketing down.
Bertioga – Boicucanga Beach – 70 km
Ernest and I weren’t getting along, making life an absolute misery. Though the
route featured picturesque beaches, al fresco oyster bars, and lush forests, I was in
a foul mood and unable to enjoy it. Then, towards the end of the day, I spotted a
pousada opposite a beautiful beach. I thought it would make a more pleasant
evening. It was, however, not the case and money wasted.
Boicucanga Beach – Sao Sebastiao – 41 km
I left early, leaving Ernest to his own devices. The Serra characterised Brazil’s Costa
Verde do Mar, a 1,500-kilometre-long mountain range, making it not simply an
immensely scenic ride but also a hilly one. I felt mentally and physically tired, and
struggled up hills usually easily scaled, even pushing my bike up a few.
Nevertheless, it was gorgeous, and I wish I were in a better frame of mind to enjoy
it all.